NCIDQ IDIX cheat sheet

Programming is the research and decision-making process that identifies the scope of work, including the client's goals, budget, schedule, and functional needs; it precedes schematic design.

Net assignable area (NASF) is the usable area of a space; gross area includes circulation, walls, and mechanical spaces. The ratio NASF/Gross is the efficiency factor, typically 0.65–0.80 for offices.

Space needs are often calculated from occupant counts, equipment lists, and workflow studies; use a programmatic area per person or per function (e.g., 100–150 NASF per office worker).

A program document includes: project goals, budget, schedule, space list with area requirements, adjacency requirements, code constraints, and existing conditions report.

Adjacency matrix: a grid showing required relationships between spaces (e.g., direct, close, neutral, undesirable); used to develop bubble diagrams and block plans.

Existing conditions survey includes measuring the space, documenting structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and identifying code deficiencies.

Life-cycle cost analysis compares initial cost plus operating, maintenance, and replacement costs over the building's life; used to evaluate design alternatives.

Pre-design tasks may include feasibility studies, site analysis, zoning analysis, and historic preservation review; these inform the program and budget.

Bubble diagrams show functional relationships without scale; block plans assign approximate sizes and shapes; both precede detailed space planning.

Circulation planning: primary circulation should be direct and intuitive; secondary circulation provides access to individual spaces; avoid circulation through work areas.

Clearances: accessible route minimum clear width is 36 in (915 mm); a 60 in (1525 mm) turning space is required for wheelchairs; door clear width minimum 32 in (815 mm).

Office planning: typical workstation sizes range from 6x6 ft (1.8x1.8 m) for cubicles to 10x15 ft (3x4.5 m) for private offices; allow 5 ft (1.5 m) for primary aisles.

Adjacency priorities: place high-traffic functions near entrances; separate noisy areas from quiet ones; group related functions (e.g., kitchen near dining).

Egress planning: travel distance to exits, exit access width, and number of exits are governed by code; space planning must integrate egress paths early.

Furniture layout: allow 36 in (915 mm) for circulation around furniture; 42–48 in (1065–1220 mm) for primary aisles; 30 in (760 mm) minimum for secondary aisles.

Stacking and blocking: in multi-story buildings, align vertical elements (stairs, elevators, shafts) and consider structural grid and floor loading.

Occupant load: calculated by dividing floor area by occupant load factor (e.g., 100 gross sq ft per person for business use, 15 for assembly unconcentrated).

Egress capacity: required width = occupant load x capacity factor (e.g., 0.2 in per person for level components, 0.15 in for stairs).

Travel distance: maximum exit access travel distance varies by occupancy and sprinkler status (e.g., 200 ft (61 m) for business unsprinklered, 300 ft (91 m) sprinklered).

Number of exits: at least two exits required when occupant load exceeds 49 (or 49–500 depending on code); remote exits must be separated by a distance not less than half the diagonal of the area.

Fire-resistance ratings: building elements (structural frame, walls, floors) have required ratings based on construction type and occupancy; interior finishes have flame spread and smoke developed limits.

Accessibility: ADA Standards and ICC A117.1 require accessible routes, parking, entrances, and toilet rooms; clear floor space 30x48 in (760x1220 mm) for wheelchairs.

HVAC: typical design temperatures 75°F (24°C) cooling, 70°F (21°C) heating; ventilation rates per ASHRAE 62.1 (e.g., 5 cfm per person for office).

Plumbing: fixture counts determined by plumbing code based on occupant load and use; accessible fixtures require clear floor space and grab bars.

Partition types: gypsum wallboard on metal studs (STC 35–45), masonry (STC 45–55), demountable partitions (STC 30–40); fire-rated partitions require specific assemblies.

Finish schedules list materials, colors, and locations; specifications (Division 09 finishes, Division 12 furnishings) define products, execution, and quality.

Flooring: carpet tile (modular, replaceable), luxury vinyl tile (durable, water-resistant), hardwood (acclimation required), terrazzo (durable, high cost).

Ceiling systems: suspended acoustic tile (NRC 0.55–0.70), gypsum board (paintable, seamless), open plenum (requires return air design).

Wall finishes: paint (low-VOC required in some jurisdictions), wallcovering (Type I, II, III per durability), wood paneling (fire-retardant treatment required).

Specification types: performance (results-based), prescriptive (method-based), proprietary (brand name), and equal (brand or equal).

Submittals: shop drawings, product data, samples, and mockups; review for compliance with contract documents; architect's approval does not relieve contractor responsibility.

Mockups: full-size assemblies to verify quality and workmanship; required for exterior walls, roofing, and special interior finishes.

FF&E includes movable furniture, fixtures, and equipment not part of the base building; typically specified in Division 12 (furnishings) and Division 11 (equipment).

Workstation design: keyboard height 26–28 in (660–710 mm), monitor top at or slightly below eye level, task light adjustable; ergonomic chair with adjustable seat height and lumbar support.

Seating: typical office chair seat height 16–20 in (400–510 mm); clear space for wheelchair user 30x48 in (760x1220 mm) at desks and tables.

Furniture procurement: lead times vary (6–16 weeks); specify delivery, installation, and warranty; coordinate with electrical and data rough-in.

Casework: custom millwork vs. modular systems; specify materials, finishes, hardware, and countertop (e.g., solid surface, laminate, stone).

Equipment: include specialty items (kitchen appliances, laboratory equipment, AV systems); verify power, ventilation, and structural support requirements.

FF&E budget: typically 10–20% of construction cost; includes furniture, fixtures, equipment, and installation.

Sustainability: specify furniture with low-VOC emissions, recycled content, and GREENGUARD or BIFMA e3 certification.

Illuminance levels: office general 30–50 fc (300–500 lux), task lighting 50–100 fc (500–1000 lux), corridors 10–20 fc (100–200 lux).

Color temperature: 2700–3000 K warm (residential), 3500–4000 K neutral (office), 5000–6500 K cool (task, healthcare).

Lighting power density (LPD) limits per ASHRAE 90.1: office 0.9–1.0 W/sq ft, depending on code version; use LED and controls to comply.

Acoustic metrics: STC (sound transmission class) for partitions (STC 45–55 for privacy), NRC (noise reduction coefficient) for absorptive surfaces (0.7+ good), IIC (impact insulation class) for floors (50+).

Background noise: HVAC design to NC 25–35 for offices, NC 20–25 for conference rooms; use sound masking to improve speech privacy.

Indoor air quality: specify low-VOC materials (adhesives, sealants, paints, carpets); provide ventilation per ASHRAE 62.1; protect ducts during construction.

Daylighting: provide access to views and daylight; glare control with shades or louvers; target daylight factor 2–5% for offices.

Environmental quality: consider thermal comfort (ASHRAE 55), humidity 30–60%, and acoustical privacy in open offices (speech privacy index).

Contract types: lump sum (fixed price), cost plus fee, guaranteed maximum price (GMP), and time and materials; each allocates risk differently.

AIA contract documents: A101 (owner-contractor), B101 (owner-architect), A201 (general conditions); define roles, responsibilities, and procedures.

Construction administration: architect reviews submittals, conducts site visits, issues field reports, and certifies payment; not responsible for means and methods.

Change orders: written modification to contract; require owner approval; architect evaluates cost and time impact; contractor may proceed on written order.

Requests for information (RFI): contractor asks for clarification; architect responds promptly; RFIs can lead to change orders if design changes.

Payment applications: contractor submits monthly; architect reviews for percentage complete and approves; owner pays per contract terms (e.g., 30 days).

Closeout: punch list, as-built drawings, warranties, O&M manuals, and final payment; substantial completion starts warranty period.

Project schedule: critical path method (CPM) identifies longest path; float is slack time; delays can be excusable (weather) or compensable (owner-caused).